Improving Skin Appearance - Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is similar to other exfoliation techniques, like chemical peels and microdermabrasion, in that it removes the top or outer layer of skin. This outer layer of skin is home to dead and damaged skin cells and can give the skin a weathered, tired appearance. Laser skin resurfacing uses a high energy, focused beam of light to instantly vaporize outer layers of skin. Since these skin cells are instantly vaporized, there is very little risk of bleeding or infection. Laser skin resurfacing can treat people who have sustained sun damage or wish to soften the appearance of fine wrinkles. Some acne scars can be improved with laser skin resurfacing as well. One advantage of laser skin resurfacing over microdermabrasion is that it can reach deeper into the skin without many of the complications of the more harsh chemical peels. The procedure takes less than an hour and can result in long lasting benefits in appearance. It is important to remember that laser skin resurfacing is not covered by health insurance and several treatments may be required to reach the patient’s desired outcome. Laser skin resurfacing is not for everyone—those with darker skin tones or those prone to scarring are usually discouraged from undergoing treatment. The procedure can be rather expensive relative to other exfoliation techniques and a single treatment may be over $2,000. This cost, it should be mentioned, includes all of the pre- and post-procedure medications, ointments and dressings that are required. Another factor that greatly increases the cost is that of anesthesia. When deeper layers of skin are targeted, it may be necessary to use general anesthesia, which sharply increases the cost of the procedure.